5 Lunchtime Links: ‘Orange’ signs for 3 more seasons

The inmates are back. Netflix announced today its plans to renew its own original series “Orange is the New Black” for another three seasons. Creator Jenji Kohan has said she will stay on for all of the three seasons, and there’s no telling when the Litchfield ladies will make it out. The fourth season of the show will premiere June 17. “Jenji and her team have produced a phenomenal and impactful series that is both funny and dramatic, outrageous and heartfelt. Audiences around the world have come to love the ladies and men of Orange is the New Black, and we are eager to see where three more seasons will take them,” said Netlfix Vice President Cindy Holland.

Sister cities of hipness Portland and Austin are often mentioned in the same breath. The two constantly draw comparisons because of their shared interests and industries, and it’s seemed like a mention on satirical sketch show “Portlandia” had to happen eventually. In the third episode of the show’s sixth season star Fred Armison finally makes his way to Texas, and there are plenty of Austin-centric jokes to be made. Including the difference between a “cool neighborhood” (coffee shops ) and “uncool neighborhood” (strollers).

Maurice White, the founder of band Earth, Wind & Fire, died Wednesday at age 74. The nine-piece band featuring the two White brothers sold more than 90 million albums with hits like “September” and ”Shining Star.” White had suffered from Parkinson’s Disease which he announced publicly during the band’s Hall of Fame induction in 2000. He also served as a producer to musicians like Barbra Streisand and Cher. The band will be honored during this year’s Grammys.

In the Statesman studio talking about independent video games! Wylie Wiggins, who most memorably starred in “Dazed and Confused,” is on this week’s episode of “Statesman Shots” to discuss the local indie video game scene in Austin. He also discusses upcoming SXSW Gaming event to feature emotional, realistic games like “That Dragon, Cancer,” and what happens when Austin’s gaming and filmmaking communities meet. Listen to the full episode here.

Austin’s only malthouse and Real Ale Brewing have teamed up to create a new beer that features Leander-malted barley as one of its ingredients. The beer will have “elements of herbal citrus and a spicy fruitiness,” but will also highlight the biscuit notes the malt is known for. The ESB is now available in six-packs in stores and on draft at some local bars.